My first 'mod'. Need help with Kandalf LCS please

[JulesKor]

Hi,

I'm a new member here and have been inspired by some of the mods to the Kandalf LCS posted here and I would like to improve my system with the aid of your advice.
Currently I have a standard Kandalf LCS set-up (stock pump, rad, res, CPU block). I have also added to my single loop, 2 x TT Aqua RX Series-R1a RAM blocks, TT GPU block, EK NB block, EK SB block and 2 x EK mosfet blocks.
My loop is: pump -> 1/4" RAM cooler -> 1/4" RAM cooler -> 3/8" CPU cooler -> 1/4" GPU cooler -> 3/8" mosfet cooler -> 3/8" mosfet cooler -> 3/8" NB cooler -> 3/8" SB cooler -> TT radiator
My mobo is an Asus P5K-E WiFi/AP running a Q9450 @ 3400Mhz (temps are about 32 degrees C idle and up to 61 degrees C running Intel burn test) and 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM clocked @ 850MHz.
Apart from the fact I am running inferior cooling equipment, I think my cooling is also impeded by running through 2 different sizes at 2 different points in the loop.
What I would like to do is run the larger stock radiator with a Swiftech MCP-655 pump, EK-Supreme - Plexi CPU block and EK-Bay Spin Reservoir Acetal through a first loop consisting of all my 3/8" blocks (CPU -> mosfet -> mosfet -> NB -> SB). Then run a second loop using a Swiftech MCR120-QP Radiator attached internally to the rear 120mm FAN and using the stock TT pump and res to take care of my 1/4" components (RAM cooler -> RAM cooler -> GPU cooler).
What do you think? Would this help improve performance?

[Crazy Buddhist]

I don't know much about the specifics of water cooling but studied Physics and Engineering at university. You are right that having a cooling system with mixed tubing will reduce it's overall effectiveness. At each point the tubing size changes there will be pressure differentials that impede the overall flow rates and make your pump work harder to do the same work.

Making sure each loop is on one size tubing would improve the fluid dynamics .. whether this is the root of your problem or if undersized rads/fans are more the issue I'll let one of the W/C guru's advise.

CrazyB

[mDust]

I won't lie to you and try to play this comment off as expert advice, but you shouldn't need a second loop. Something like this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_341&products_id=20814) should help out a lot. The 3/8" will be the 'trunk' that connects all your 3/8" blocks and a 1/4" parallel branch connects the 1/4" blocks then joins the trunk before hitting the rad.

..................__x___x___
................./...............\
................/.................\
>pump===/====X===X==\====rad==res>

=== is 3/8"
___ is 1/4"
X and x are 3/8" and 1/4" blocks respectively

This setup will allow the pump to push the water through the system easier.

~mDust

[JulesKor]

Thanks Crazy Buddhist and mDust,

That seems to make sense. I will give that a try when I get a chance.

[Drum Thumper]

I'd be worried about doing something like that myself mdust. Water is like electricity, it'll take the path of least resistance, even when being pushed by a pump. Personally, I'd consider fitting the GPU onto the 3/8" flowpath, since it's kinda important.

[Spawn-Inc]

splitting the loop is rarely a good idea. as drumthumper said, water will flow through the 3/8" mostly.

i am pretty sure i have seen this question in another forum which i answered, so i will leave it at that.

[bxmedic]

I have a the same case and pump. IMO the 1/4" is holding you back. The TT pump can be a little weak. I've smoked a couple of them. I would drop the ram liquid cooler and go with a fan such as the Antec Spot cool. Change your GPU to 3/8". ( I have a spare D-tek GFX 2 I can put on ebay for ya for like $30) You also could consider making your front Rad into a push pull. Like this http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100819886&mpage=1&key=&#100819886

Hope this helps, and give me a shout if you want that block.

[Crazy Buddhist]

The electronic equivalent of this is that you are putting a resistor on the 1/4 inch power and limiting current to that circuit. In this circumstance that's not what you want.